Colt Woodsman questions

[Preacherman]

Hello, brother and sister shooters. I've been offered a Colt Woodsman, in very nice condition (not re-blued or restored in any way, and easily in 95% condition). I have three questions for my more knowledgeable shooter friends:

1. It's got a 6½" barrel. I'm told that this is fairly rare, and was only produced in one year or one production run. Can anyone confirm?

2. Its serial number is 896XX. Can anyone confirm year of manufacture from this serial number?

3. It's on offer at $350. Is this a good price?

Looking forward to all the information I know will be forthcoming.

 

[Ala Dan]

Good evening Preacher-

I can't confirm, but the price seems mighty sweet! There
was a 3rd generation Colt Match Target Woodsman posted
here recently, and the asking price was $850.00. So, go
from there. In my way of thinking, that is an attractive deal.

A regular Colt Woodsman would have fixed sight's; where
as the Match Target Woodsman would come with Elliason
(spelling ?) adjustable target sight's and be a bit more
finely finished.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Old Fuff]

Preacherman:

Is there an "S" prefix on that serial number? If not it's a pre-war gun. Also does it have a round barrel, or a larger barrel with milled flats on the side? To make a correct identification we need more information or a picture.

 

[PlayTheAces]

Take a look at this link. It's a pretty good site for researching the Woodsman / Huntsman.



Woodsman

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: PlayTheAces

Very good link, many thanks for sharing!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Litlman]

I saw one at a Gander Mountain a while back for $450. It was in good shape. My buddy has one for a very long time and loves it. Sounds like a very good price!

 

[Preacherman]

Thanks for that link, PlayTheAces. According to the information provided there, this is a First Series Target Model, with 6.625" barrel (six and five-eights inches - don't have small fractions on this system! ), manufactured in 1934 (just late enough to be the upgraded model, capable of firing high-velocity ammo).

I still don't have specific feedback on the value of the gun, but from the anecdotal comments here and elsewhere, it seems that $350 isn't a bad deal. I'll do some more checking. I'm certainly leaning toward buying it - may have to do a trade as part of the deal, as I'm cash-poor at the moment, but that can be arranged!

 

[KarlG]

Preacherman,

The 24th ed. Blue Book of Gun Values states that a 1st series Woodsman (mfg 1927 through 1947) with a 6-5/8" barrel is worth:

$1150 in 100% condition
$850 in 98%
$550 in 95%
$400 in 90%
$325 in 80%
$275 in 70%

The 4-1/2" barrel models seem to bring about $150 more for the condition.

 

[Standing Wolf]

At that price, I'd buy it in half a heart beat.

 

[sm]

PlayTheAces,
Ditto on sharing a great link-thanks!

Preacherman: Thats It, I give up. Gonna have to drive down there and follow you around. You find the "deals"...ain't fair you having an inside track an all...

 

[Cableman]

I picked up a Match Target Woodsman made in 1955 for $475 at the local fun show a couple weeks ago. A great gun. They are getting harder to find nowdays and good ones are very expensive. Too bad Colt won't start making them again.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Too bad Colt won't start making them again.

Actually, it's probably just as well. If Colt were to resume Woodsman production, the guns would cost $1,599 each, and wouldn't be as good as Rugers.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Agree with Standing Wolf.

Sam